We are Hiring!

COMMUNICATIONS AND FUNDRAISING SPECIALIST  

POSITION OPENING 

ABOUT THRIVE HOOD RIVER  

Thrive Hood River is a grassroots non-profit founded in 1977 to protect Hood River’s farmland, forests, wild places and the livability of its cities and rural communities. We are small but mighty. We live in this community, love it, and use Oregon’s unique land use system as a tool to leave it an even better place for future generations. This is a chance to grow with an organization and have a lasting impact on this place we call home. Find out more about Thrive and its accomplishments at https://www.thrivehoodriver.org  

ABOUT THE JOB  

The Communications and Fundraising Specialist conveys Thrive’s long history of conservation work and gains financial, public and volunteer support to continue farm and forest land protections, preserve wild spaces and advance initiatives that enhance the livability of Hood River and our rural communities. This is the sole staff position in a nimble, activist organization. You will work closely and collaboratively with Thrive’s active Board members.  

The overarching areas of responsibility include the following: 

Development and Donor Relations:

1. Maintain the annual fundraising work plan. Implement action steps and meet goals.   

2. Establish relationships with donors. Manage donor appreciation. Cultivate new and maintain existing donors. 

3. Act as lead organizer for Thrive’s events. Create fundraisers, educational forums, and public events, including planning, budgeting, volunteer recruitment and coordination, marketing and execution. 

4. Maintain the software used to perform assigned tasks, including Constant Contact and auction software. Backup and coordinate with the Treasurer in maintaining the donor database. 

Communications:

1. Maintain the annual outreach and marketing workplans. Implement action steps and meet goals.   

2. Create, produce and distribute printed and on-line materials. This includes Thrive’s monthly e-newsletter, social media postings, press releases, articles, brochures and pamphlets, action alerts, etc. 

3. Maintain or oversee maintenance of the website, including loading content, arranging the layout and performing requisite technical tasks. 

Operations:

1. Be the point of contact for Thrive’s organizational phone number and email addresses. 

2. Attend Board and Development Committee meetings. Manage meeting logistics, prepare meeting materials, and take minutes.  

3. Assist in recruiting new Board members. 

4. Other duties as assigned. 

ABOUT YOU 

Residence in Hood River County or a nearby Gorge community is strongly preferred. The work requires attendance at meetings and events, and developing relationships within and a strong connection to local communities.   

The personal attributes necessary for success in this role include:

1. A commitment to Thrive’s mission and the goals of Oregon’s land use system at https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/OP/Pages/Goals.aspx 

2. A people person who enjoys engaging with, and is able to work collaboratively with, those of diverse styles, beliefs, and backgrounds. 

3. Flexible, responsive, and organized. 

4. Self-directed with strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and an eye for forward thinking solutions. 

Preferred knowledge, experience and abilities include:

1. Experience in non-profit fund raising and donor relations. 

2. Experience planning and executing events. 

3. Experience developing and delivering communications strategies. 

4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

5. Working knowledge of website and email management platforms, general digital fluency and ability to learn new applications quickly. 

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We value lived experience and will support the development of your knowledge and expertise. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you have all of the preferred qualifications.  

We believe our mission is best advanced by contributions of people of various backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. We encourage applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective, and thought.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND COMPENSATION

Your work schedule can be arranged to fit your life. Thrive does not have an office, so the work is done from home or personal offices. Meetings are held over Zoom, and in-person in the public library, coffee shops, and at board member’s homes. Frequent in-person meetings, evening and weekend meetings and events are required.   

This position is a part-time hourly position, and we expect it to be 20-30 hours per week. Starting compensation is approximately $30-35 per hour, depending on experience and abilities. The position includes 60-90 hours of accrued paid time off annually, which can be taken on recognized holidays or not, as you chose. You may opt to have a portion of the compensation in the form of a health insurance subsidy and/or contributions to an IRA. State-supported paid family and medical leave is available for qualifying events.  

HOW TO APPLY 

To be considered for the first round of interviews, please send your materials by September 29.  

For further information, please reach out to Heather Odden at heathero@thrivehoodriver.org.  

To apply, send your resume with a cover letter explaining what you find interesting or challenging about this position to heathero@thrivehoodriver.org.